The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Sherburn-in-Elmet Air Race) Regulations 2026

Published: Fri 7th Aug 26

Restricted flying in the vicinity of Sherburn-in-Elmet Aerodrome during specific windows on 22nd and 23rd August 2026 to facilitate a Royal Aero Club Air Race.

These Regulations establish a temporary restricted airspace near Sherburn-in-Elmet Aerodrome to accommodate the Royal Aero Club Air Race on 22nd and 23rd August 2026.

The order prohibits aircraft from flying below 1,500 feet above mean sea level within a specified boundary during four distinct time windows.

The restrictions apply to all civil aircraft, excluding those that receive express permission from the Sherburn-in-Elmet Aerodrome air-ground service or official race organizers.

Arguments For

The Secretary of State asserts that flight restrictions are necessary in the public interest due to the intended holding of a Royal Aero Club Air Race.
The explanatory note states that a large number of aircraft will participate in the event, necessitating restrictions for reasons of public safety.
The document notes that the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department for Transport agree that these measures are required to manage safety risks during the race.
The regulations provide a mechanism for permitted flight through the area via specific authorizations from race officials or aerodrome services.

Arguments Against

Pilots operating in the Yorkshire area may face travel disruptions or required rerouting due to the low-altitude exclusion zone.
The use of Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC) in the legal text, which is one hour behind British Summer Time (BST), could lead to timing errors for recreational pilots if not carefully cross-referenced.
The restricted area is defined by eight specific geographical coordinates, which requires precise navigational planning to avoid accidental infringement.

Citation and commencement

These Regulations may be cited as the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Sherburn-in-Elmet Air Race) Regulations 2026 and they come into force on 22nd August 2026.

This section establishes the official name of the regulations and sets the date they become legally active. The rules take effect on 22nd August 2026.

Interpretation

In regulation 3(2) the times referred to are Co-ordinated Universal Time( b ).

( b ) Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC) is one hour behind British Summer Time (BST).

This section clarifies the time standard used for the flying restrictions.

It specifies that all listed times are in Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is one hour behind the local British Summer Time (BST).

Restricted airspace

—(1) Subject to paragraph (3), during the periods specified in paragraph (2) no aircraft is to fly below 1,500 feet above mean sea level within the area bounded by straight lines joining successively the following points—

(a) 534649N 0011632W,
(b) 534757N 0011206W,
(c) 534746N 0010942W,
(d) 534820N 0010715W,
(e) 534553N 0010811W,
(f) 534358N 0011153W,
(g) 534547N 0011653W, and
(h) 534649N 0011632W.

(2) The periods referred to in paragraph (1)—

(a) on 22nd August 2026—
- (i) begin with 1045 hours and end with 1215 hours, and
- (ii) begin with 1345 hour and end with 1545 hours, and
(b) on 23rd August 2026—
- (i) begin with 0945 hours and end with 1145 hours, and
- (ii) begin with 1245 hours and end with 1445 hours.

(3) Paragraph (1) does not apply to any aircraft flying in accordance with a permission issued by—

(a) the Sherburn-in-Elmet Aerodrome air ground communication service, or
(b) the Royal Aero Club Records, Racing and Rally Association Race Officials.

This section prohibits flight below 1,500 feet within a specific geographic zone defined by eight coordinate points.

It limits this prohibition to four specific time periods across two days in August 2026.

The section exempts aircraft from these restrictions if they have obtained permission from the local aerodrome's communication service or the official air race organizers.

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